Trail-Based Bonus Game With Player-Selectable Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gaming machines lack innovative features to enhance entertainment value and attract frequent play, as existing bonus games do not provide sufficient excitement and variety to differentiate them from other gaming options.

Innovation Solution

A trail-based gaming system with player-selectable elements and associated awards, where players can win all awards by meeting predetermined criteria, offering a dynamic and engaging experience across multiple gaming machines.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional bonus games are used, then the gaming machine provides a basic gaming experience, but the entertainment value and player excitement are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveentertainment valueVSAvoidgame structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bonus game is divided into multiple independent elements (e.g., different types of bonuses, features, or game modes) that can be selectively activated. Each element represents a distinct gaming feature that players can choose to pursue, allowing the system to provide varied entertainment experiences without requiring a completely complex game structure for every possibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gaming system dynamically adjusts the available bonus elements and their associated probabilities based on player selections, wager levels, or random determinations. This allows the entertainment value to adapt in real-time while maintaining a manageable underlying game structure through programmable flexibility rather than hard-coded complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bonus game options are provided, then player excitement and engagement increase, but the complexity of the gaming system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer engagementVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single unified bonus game framework is designed to accommodate multiple different bonus elements and features through a common architectural platform. This universal structure handles various game scenarios (different bonuses, features, or modes) using the same core mechanisms, thereby providing high player engagement across diverse options while avoiding the need to design and maintain separate complex systems for each bonus type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system varies bonus game parameters (such as probabilities, award values, available elements, or game rules) based on input conditions like player selections, wager amounts, or random number generator outcomes. This allows multiple engaging bonus scenarios to be achieved by changing parameters within a single game framework, rather than implementing completely different systems for each scenario.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If player-selectable elements are introduced, then the entertainment value and perceived control increase, but the complexity of determining awards and probabilities increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveplayer controlVSAvoidaward determination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-determines and displays the potential awards, probabilities, or outcomes associated with each player-selectable element before the player makes a selection. This preliminary presentation of information allows players to make informed choices without requiring complex real-time calculations or explanations during the decision-making process, thereby maintaining ease of operation while managing the complexity of award determination through advance preparation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides clear feedback to players about the consequences of their selections, including the associated probabilities, potential awards, or expected outcomes. This feedback mechanism simplifies the player's decision-making process by presenting information in an understandable format, reducing the perceived complexity of award determination while maintaining player control and engagement through transparent communication about the game mechanics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS9595155B2Wagering game with trail-based bonus game having player-selectable features
Publication Date: 2017.03.14 LNW GAMING INC
  • US9595155B2 patent drawing
  • US9595155B2 patent drawing
  • US9595155B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A gaming system having an input device for receiving a wager to play a wagering game including a trail-based game. A display for displaying the trail-based game is also included. The trail-based game includes a plurality of elements along a trail. Each of the plurality of elements has an associated award. In response to a player meeting a predetermined criterion, the player is awarded the associated award for all of the plurality of elements.